Nell Harvey

I see clients in-person just outside CHIPPING NORTON, Oxfordshire. My therapy room is conveniently situated (with off-street parking) right outside the door. I am in striking distance of Banbury, Bloxham, Stow-on-the-Wold, Shipston-on-Stour, Woodstock, Charlbury and the surrounding areas.

I also work with clients online (UK based). 

Availability changes so please do contact me if you would like to know what is currently possible.

How do you choose a counsellor with so many (and so many approaches) to choose from? What is most important is the quality of relationship you have with your counsellor. I combine emotional intuition with rigorous ongoing training and plenty of life experience. Whether you require emotional maintenance or help overcoming significant life hurdles, my approach remains personal, offering a respectful, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship.

Are you in safe hands?  Yes, I am registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and hold a current DBS certificate. In addition to my private practice I also work for Cotswold Counselling, a registered charity offering counselling in the Cirencester area. Like all registered counsellors, I undergo regular supervision.

My areas of expertise include anxiety/generalised anxiety disorder, stress, depression, relationship or life changes (such as bereavement, work, illness, parenting, empty nest, menopause).  I have a particular interest in stress and anxiety and in how emotional overwhelm can translate into physical symptoms. 

I understand how difficult starting counselling is and that you might not want to go through everything. Together we can begin to explore what you wish to gain from counselling and, if it seems right, start to  â€˜connect the dots’ between past experiences, early patterns of relating and present-day difficulties. This process builds self-awareness, a sense of safety, and healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

Can I actually help you? Counselling is not a quick fix. Whilst sadly I can't wave a magic wand, I do bring rich life experience and emotional intuition in addition to my training. Whether you are facing recurring patterns, unwanted behaviours, relationship difficulties, or change or loss, I provide the space for you to explore and grow. Even short-term work can lead to meaningful insight and lasting change.

My integrative background is in humanistic non-directive therapies (Person-Centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis). 'Non-directive' does not mean passive however, my role is as an active attuned presence helping you notice what might be outside of your awareness. 

My style of counselling is like a particularly focussed kind of conversation with the emphasis being on your lived experience, your autonomy and an awareness of the 'here and now'. It is by being truly heard by a non-judgemental, authentic and empathetic other that the counselling process yields positive results.

This approach fosters autonomy, self-awareness and personal growth exploring what it is like to be you, your style of relating to others (and yourself) and your perception of personal responsibility in the present moment. 

Initially, we would have a short telephone call (15-20 minutes) so that you can tell me a bit about what brings you to counselling, ask any questions and get a feel for the sort of therapist I am. 

Sessions last 50 minutes and, for the most part, are held weekly. There is no fixed number of sessions although I recommend clients try and attend 6 in order to start to see meaningful change. 

Payment is taken at the time of booking to secure the first session slot and each subsequent session can then be paid for separately in advance. There is no charge for advance cancellation (48 hours). 

Our first session would involve 5-10 minutes going over terms and conditions such as confidentiality, cancellations procedures, means of contacting each other.

We would then begin to explore what has brought you to counselling and what you hope to achieve/feel different about. You may not be sure at this stage and that is fine. You may just wish to 'off-load' and this is the perfect opportunity. 

Together, we will start to tailor a loose sort of plan based on your needs and expectations. This is all done in a gentle, conversational way and the 'plan' is flexible. It can be revisited and tweaked at any stage.

No preparation is necessary for the first session and there is nothing to be anxious about.